Former Lipscomb University shortstop Jorge Gutierrez was promoted to the Omaha Royals, Class AAA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, Monday.

Gutierrez signed a minor league contract with Kansas City in June and was assigned to the Burlington (NC) Royals, the Rookie-level affiliate for Kansas City.

Gutierrez batted .233 in 38 games for Burlington this summer.

"You're always surprised when they call you in and they give you the news," Gutierrez told Burlington Times News. "Everybody is packing (for the end of the Appalachian League season). I was almost done packing. Now the season's is not over."

Gutierrez played his senior season at Lipscomb in 2008 after transferring from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. The Miami, Fla., native batted .286 as the leadoff batter in all 63 games for Lipscomb. He also belted 21 extra base hits and stole 18 bases.